Winter Melon Soup with Meatballs (冬瓜丸子汤)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
155 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Chinese
Winter Melon Soup with Meatballs (冬瓜丸子汤)
Description
This Chinese-style soup starts with trimming and cubing winter melon, which has a delicate mild flavor and soft texture when cooked. Mung bean vermicelli is soaked, drained, and cut into shorter pieces to add a slender, chewy texture to the broth. Pork meatballs are prepared by mixing ground pork with scallions, ginger, soy sauce, white pepper, starch, and egg white, ensuring a sticky mixture that holds together well during cooking.
The soup base is developed by frying dried shrimp and scallions in oil, infusing the broth with umami and aromatic notes. Adding water and bringing it to a low simmer creates a gentle cooking environment for the meatballs, which are carefully shaped and dropped into the simmering broth to cook through. The winter melon and vermicelli are added during the simmering process, absorbing the flavors while softening. Final seasoning with salt, white pepper, and sesame oil enhances the soup's mild savory profile. Optional coriander adds a fresh herbal note.
This soup serves as a comforting, light meal or starter, combining tender meatballs and winter melon with the subtle chewiness of vermicelli. It showcases textural contrasts and a balanced broth that is not overpowering, suitable for everyday dining or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 400 g winter melon 14oz
- 50 g mung bean vermicelli see note 1, aka Fen Si/粉丝
For the meatballs
- 250 g pork 9oz, minced, or minced chicken
- 1 talk scallions finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce light
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or corn starch
- 1 egg white
For the soup
- 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil
- ½ tablespoon dried shrimp see note 2, papery
- 1 talk scallions finely chopped
- 1000 ml water 4 cups
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Coriander optional, finely chopped
Instructions
Prepare the winter melon
- Trim off the hard, green skin of the winter melon and remove its seeds. Cut into bite-sized chunks. Set aside.
Soak the vermicelli
- Put dried mung bean vermicelli in a bowl. Pour in tap water to soak (enough to cover). Drain after 10 mins. Cut into shorter sections with scissors.
Make the meatball mixture
- Put minced meat into a mixing bowl. Add scallions, ginger, light soy sauce, salt, white pepper, starch, and egg white. Stir in the same direction to combine until no more liquid can be seen and the mixture becomes sticky.
Cook the soup
- Heat up oil in a pot over medium heat then add dried papery shrimp and scallions. Fry until fragrant.
- Add water. Bring it to a very gentle simmer then turn the heat to low.
- Place some meat mixture onto the palm of your hand (wear a kitchen glove if you wish). Gently close your hand into a fist while squeezing some mixture out to form a ball through the opening between your thumb and index finger. Scoop it off with a spoon then slide into the soup (Please refer to the tutorial video below). Repeat the procedure to finish all the meatballs.
- Add the winter melon to the soup. Cover the pot with a lid. Turn the heat to medium. Leave to cook until the winter melon becomes soft (about 8-10 mins).
- Put in mung bean vermicelli. Cook for a further minute.
- Finally, add salt, ground white pepper & sesame oil. Garnish with coriander (if using). Serve warm in a large soup dish or individual serving bowls.
Notes
- Mung bean vermicelli adds substance and texture; soak well before use and cut to manageable lengths.
- Dried papery shrimp brings umami; if unavailable, substitute with larger dried shrimp soaked and minced.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 155 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 155kcal | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
